REAL Marriage

Research has shown for some time now that marriage has benefits.  Research is now showing that divorce is linked to irreversible health damage.  See the article here.

Other research has shown the damage to children and many divorced people can share with you the ongoing stress of dealing with former spouses regarding children.  Divorce is painful.

The good news is that marriage has benefits and we know what makes for a good marriage.  Everyone can learn the skills to have a good marriage.  I sum these up with the acronymn REAL.  Romance does not have to die in your marriage, it is a state of mind you bring to everything you do with your spouse.  Encouragement is a manner of speaking and covers the communication areas of marriage.  Adaptability is a way of working together that keeps a “we” mindset focused on success together.  Being loving is a habit of doing for each other.  Work on these areas and you can have a good or even great marriage.  A REAL marriage can keep you healthy.

Keep a “we” mindset in your marriage.  You and your spouse succeed together or fail together.  Always work for success.

Remaining faithful is essential to your REAL marriage.

Summer time is in full swing and it is a scorcher in the Northwest.  This week’s date tip is to do something to cool off. Try river rafting, go to a local water park or swimming area, or just buy a plastic kiddie pool and sit in it with some ice cold lemonade or tea and enjoy each other’s company.

A REAL date a week builds a REAL marriage.

Today is chocolate day.  Give your loved one a chocolate colored REAL Love Note describing how he or she is better than chocolate or how you want to cover him or her in chocolate or just attach chocolate to your love note.

REAL Love Notes are deposits in the love bank.